Karoo Safaris FAQs

Why should I hunt with Karoo Safaris?

What do your rates include?

What do your rates not include?

What is your booking and payment policy?

How quickly can I get medical assistance?

Can I bring my own rifle?

What items should I bring?

What are your terms and conditions?


Why should I hunt with Karoo Safaris?

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You should hunt with Karoo Safaris because:
  • The Eastern Cape is malaria free and there are no tropical diseases.
  • This area is not over populated by people.
  • We are very proud of being one of the largest privately owned family run game reserves in South Africa/Eastern Cape.
  • Our hunting area is big; it encompasses one block of over 100,000acres/40,000 hectares where all the species roam free in their natural state.
  • In the Eastern Cape there are 42 different hunting species of game (excluding game birds) of which 29 different species can be hunted on the reserve.
  • As the result of the three different biomes (mountains, plains and riverine areas) the hunting is made as interesting and exiting as possible, with all the species breeding very well in their natural state.
  • We have been operating commercially for 29 years with a lot of repeat business from clients which proves we know our business.
  • The reserve is not over hunted and there are many quality trophy animals available. This is important!
  • We also have a large number of well trained friendly staff to cater for your every need, helping to make your hunting trip an unforgettable experience.

What do your rates include?

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Our rates include:
  • Transport from and to the nearest main airport.
  • Accommodation at the hunting lodge, including all meals.
  • Beverages: alcoholic and other.
  • Support staff (experienced trackers, skinners and camp staff).
  • Laundry services.
  • Fully equipped hunting vehicles.
  • Field dressing and preparation of trophy mounts (skull, cape or full mount).
  • The services of a professional hunter.
  • Delivery of trophies to a S.A. taxidermist.
  • Government and veterinary permits for exporting trophies will be arranged on your behalf, but you are required to ensure that you will be able to import trophies into your own country.

What do your rates not include?

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Our rates exclude:
  • All air fares.
  • Any accommodation before and after the contracted safari period.
  • Entertainment of wives, etc.
  • Personal, medical and trophy insurance.
  • Taxidermy fees.
  • Carcasses of trophy animals remain the property of the outfitter.

What is your booking and payment policy?

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Booking and payment policy:
  • Reservations may be made directly with KAROO SAFARIS (Pty) Ltd. A deposit of 50% of the daily rate is required on making a reservation. The balance is payable on completion of the hunt.
  • Booking of the hunt will be confirmed on receipt of payment.
  • Cancellations will be accepted up to 30 days before commencement of the safari (refunding of deposit will be less 20% for administration costs), thereafter the deposit is forfeited.
  • All fees are payable only by travellers cheque, bank guaranteed cheque or in cash.

How quickly can I get medical assistance?

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Medical assistance:
  • A first aid kit is carried by the professional hunter who will accompany you. More sophisticated medical facilities are catered for in the form of doctors, modern hospitals and pharmacies within a radius of half an hour's drive. In the event of a major ailment or injury, it is advisable to go to Port Elizabeth or Bloemfontein, where top class medical facilities and highly qualified practitioners are available.

Can I bring my own rifle?

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Yes you can bring your own rifle(s) but don't come ‘over gunned’. Anything from a .223 to a .243 for smaller game; .270 to a .300 Magnum will suffice for African plains game and if you are going to pursue Africa's big 5 use as a minimum .375 caliber rifle or larger. Bring a rifle that you like to shoot and are confident using it out to 200 yards (shots can be from 50–250 yards); preferably using shooting sticks will give you a distinct advantage. If you can consistently hit a 10 inch circle at 200 yards then you are ready.

Firearms information pertaining to South Africa:
  • Complete the temporary firearm import permit application (SAP520) in advance if possible and bring it with you. NB: It is important to note that the form must be completed in black ink and must remain unsigned until the document is finalized in front of the police official issuing the actual permit at the airport.
  • You will need to have present:
  • valid passport
  • return airline ticket
  • letter of invitation from your Hunting Outfitter(s)
  • proof of ownership
  • proof of export from country of origin.
  • Important information to bear in mind; the following firearms and ammunition will not be allowed to enter South Africa:
  • any automatic or semi-automatic firearms
  • more than 200 rounds of ammunition per person per firearm (we recommend between 60–100 rounds per caliber)
  • any pistol or revolver (unless specified for hunting).
  • On arrival at Johannesburg International Airport (this does not apply for passengers in-transit):
  • clear passport control in which ever Terminal the flight arrives. Generally SAA and its co-partners in Terminal 2, and all other airlines in Terminal 1
  • proceed to baggage claim at the respective carousel. Pick up general baggage
  • for visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 2: Proceed to the SAPS Firearms Office. Look for office signage. Location of the SAPS Firearms Office is in Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office
  • for visitors with firearms arriving at Terminal 1: Proceed to the firearm office that is situated in Terminal 2 in front of the Post Office
  • on arrival at the SAPS Firearm Office collect your issued temporary import permit at the PHASA desk or have the necessary documentation available for inspection
  • your firearms and ammunition will be physically inspected to ensure the serial numbers match those of the licenses and the application forms. You will then be asked to wait while your application is being processed. If you are not in the possession of an already issued temporary importation permit
  • when your application has been processed and your permit has been issued you will have to sign for the permit. If you are connecting to other flights, please make sure that you allow ample time for this process (at least 3 hours).
  • Remember the issuing of the temporary import permits at the port of entry is free of charge. Do not tip or pay any SAPS officer for this service.
  • If however you would like to take away the worry of maybe not being able to obtain your permit in time to catch your connecting flight or would like a stress free transition through customs and obtaining your permit then we highly recommend Hunters’ Support. They operate a meet and greet service from the time you step off your plane; they will guide you through customs; have already processed your SAPS paperwork, enabling them to escort you swiftly to the SAPS Firearm Office so all you need to do is sign the form and get your firearm(s) and ammunition checked, taking only minutes rather than potentially hours. Hunters’ Support can be found at www.hunterssupport.com.

If you so wish, we also have rifles and ammunition available for hire. In addition we have a firing range so you can zero your rifle or get used to the rifle you are hiring. The most important result gained from your range time is you will feel confident using your weapon in your new surroundings.


What items should I bring?

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Suggested items to bring:
  • Two sets of hunting clothes, khaki, green or camo. Remember we have a daily laundry service.
  • A good hat.
  • Warm jacket as it gets cold during the winter evenings.
  • Warm sweater.
  • Gloves.
  • Well-worn and comfortable walking boots with thick socks.
  • Personal medication.
  • A good camera and enough film/memory sticks.
  • Camcorders are welcome and remember the battery recharge equipment.
  • Rifle and cleaning equipment.
  • Ammunition.
  • Binoculars.
  • Any prescriptions for medications you may require.
  • Personal toiletries.
  • Odorless sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 20.
  • If hunting during our summer months (September–April), insect repellent is advised.
  • A battery operated alarm clock.
  • We make use of 220V electrical power supply so if necessary please remember your converter.

What are your terms and conditions?

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Terms and conditions:
  • Liability
    The Hunting Outfitter shall not be liable for any damage, losses and expenses suffered by any client as a result of sickness, quarantine, weather conditions, war, strikes, riots or any other cause outside our control.
    The Hunting Outfitter accepts no liability in respect of death, injury, loss or damage to person or property arising out of any act, omission or negligence. The client shall be deemed to have waived, renounced and abandoned any and all right or entitlement which the client may be entitled to under the provisions of the law of the Republic of South Africa for any loss or damage to person or property.
    The Hunting outfitter shall not be liable for any loss or expense arising from the loss of property, cancellation or curtailment of the hunting safari however caused, save only to the extent that such loss of baggage, cancellation or curtailment was caused by the Hunting Outfitters negligence.
  • Client responsibility
    Clients may not carry any unlawful articles or substances whilst in the South African region. If any hunter or observer offends against the prohibitions set out herein, the Hunting Outfitter will be entitled to immediately exclude from the safari hunting party the offender who will be responsible for his or her own repatriation and all costs thereof. Karoo Safaris will under no circumstances assist any such offender in any dealings or negotiations with any authority.
  • Jurisdiction
    In all matters where it is or may be necessary to have recourse to the Court, the Courts of the Republic of South Africa shall have sole jurisdiction to the exclusion of the Courts of any other country and the prevailing law of the Republic of South Africa shall prevail.